The Legend of Komodo Island

Long ago, in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, there was a mystical island hidden away from the rest of the world. This island, called Pulau Komodo, was home to creatures unlike any other—giant lizards with rough, scaly skin, forked tongues, and sharp claws. These creatures were known as the Komodo Dragons. The people of the surrounding islands believed these beasts were sacred, protectors of the land and descendants of ancient dragons.

The legend of Komodo Island begins with a mystical story of Putri Naga, the Dragon Princess, and her connection to these mighty creatures.

In the time when the world was young, there lived a beautiful princess named Putri Naga, who was blessed by the gods with the power to communicate with the spirits of the land and sea. She ruled over the island of Komodo, keeping the balance between nature and humanity. The island was lush and vibrant, with dense forests, sparkling blue waters, and animals of all kinds. The Komodo dragons were the most revered of all, and they roamed the island freely, feared and respected by all who saw them.

One day, Putri Naga fell in love with a man named Majo, a fisherman from a nearby village. They married and soon, Putri Naga gave birth to twins—a son, whom they named Gerong, and a daughter, who was born unlike any human child. This daughter, called Orah, had the body of a Komodo dragon, though she was just as much a part of the royal family as her human brother.

Putri Naga loved both of her children dearly, but Majo was afraid of Orah. To him, she was a monster, a creature of the wild. He begged Putri Naga to abandon her in the forest, saying she was a danger to their family and the villagers. Heartbroken, but knowing her husband could never accept their daughter, Putri Naga took Orah to the deepest part of the jungle, where the other Komodo dragons roamed.

Putri Naga (gently): "My dear Orah, you belong to this land as much as I do. Here, you will be safe among the Komodo dragons, and you will always carry my love with you."

Orah looked at her mother with her reptilian eyes, understanding what was happening. Though she could not speak as humans do, her heart ached for the family she had to leave behind.

Orah: "Mother, I will guard this island, and I will watch over Gerong, even from afar."

Putri Naga returned to the village with a heavy heart, leaving Orah in the care of the Komodo dragons. Gerong grew up in the village, unaware of his sister's true existence, believing only that his twin had been lost at birth. Yet, the connection between brother and sister remained strong, for they were tied by blood and spirit.

Years passed, and Komodo Island remained a peaceful place under the protection of Putri Naga and the Komodo dragons. But one day, outsiders arrived—hunters and explorers seeking to claim the land and its creatures for their own. They were fascinated by the giant lizards and sought to capture them, not understanding the ancient bond between the dragons and the island.

Hunters' Leader: "These creatures will bring us great fortune. We will capture them and take them back with us. This island will belong to us!"

The villagers, led by Gerong, protested, knowing that the Komodo dragons were sacred. But the hunters did not listen. They began capturing the dragons one by one, disrupting the balance of the island. The forest grew restless, and strange occurrences began to take place. The sea, once calm and inviting, grew violent with storms.

Sensing the danger to her people, Putri Naga sought the help of her son.

Putri Naga: "Gerong, you must find your sister Orah. She is the protector of this land, and only she can restore the balance. The dragons are her kin, and the island will fall without her strength."

Gerong was stunned. He had never known of his sister's existence.

Gerong (shocked): "I have a sister? A Komodo dragon?"

Putri Naga nodded, tears in her eyes.

Putri Naga: "Yes, my son. She is both dragon and spirit, just as you are. Only together can you save this island."

With his heart full of determination, Gerong ventured into the jungle to find Orah. As he traveled deeper into the wild, he felt the presence of the Komodo dragons watching him. Finally, after days of searching, he came face to face with a large, magnificent Komodo dragon. Her eyes, though reptilian, held a deep, familiar wisdom.

Orah: "Brother, you have come."

Gerong’s heart skipped a beat. He knew instantly that this was Orah, his twin sister.

Gerong: "Orah, the island is in danger. Hunters have come, capturing the dragons. Mother sent me to find you. We must protect our home."

Orah nodded solemnly. The bond between them was strong, and without another word, she led Gerong back to the village. Along the way, more Komodo dragons emerged from the forest, following Orah’s lead.

When they reached the village, the hunters had captured several dragons, tying them in ropes and preparing to load them onto their ships. But as the dragons, led by Orah, appeared, a great roar echoed through the land. The villagers stood with Gerong, blocking the hunters from taking another step.

The hunters, shocked by the sight of so many Komodo dragons led by Orah, hesitated. Their leader, however, raised his weapon.

Hunters' Leader: "These creatures are ours! Move aside, or we will take them by force!"

But before he could strike, Orah, with her great strength, roared once more. The earth trembled, and a gust of wind swept through the village, knocking the hunters off their feet. The dragons, in unison, circled around the village, guarding their land.

Gerong stepped forward, his voice clear and strong.

Gerong: "This island is not yours to take! The Komodo dragons are sacred, and they will protect this land as they always have. Leave now, or face the wrath of the island's true guardians!"

Realizing they were outnumbered and overpowered by forces they could not comprehend, the hunters retreated, leaving the island and its creatures in peace.

With the hunters gone, the balance of Komodo Island was restored. The dragons returned to their peaceful ways, and Orah, having fulfilled her duty, returned to the jungle, where she continued to protect the island alongside her kin.

Gerong, now aware of his true connection to the land, became a wise leader of the villagers, ensuring that the island would always be respected and protected. The legend of Orah, the Dragon Princess, and her brother Gerong lived on, reminding the people of Komodo Island that they were bound to the dragons by more than just blood—they were bound by the spirit of the land itself.

And so, the Komodo dragons remained the guardians of the island, revered and respected by all who knew the legend of their ancient and mystical bond with the Dragon Princess.